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Contact info
Pastor Kathy Chesney
Phone: 865 566 3289
Email: kathyjelley@aol.com
Church location
358 Old Valley Rd, Sharps Chapel, TN, United States, Tennessee
2719 Maynardville Highway, Maynardville, TN, United States, Tennessee
Nestled in the heart of a small, vibrant community, Irwin's Chapel United Methodist Church has been a beacon of faith and fellowship for over 130 years. Since its founding in 1892, the church has not only stood as a place of worship but also as a living testament to God's grace, a place where generations have come together to celebrate the love of Christ, grow in faith, and serve their neighbors.
The heart of Irwin’s Chapel beats in the affirmation of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, a central belief that unites its members. It is here, in this sacred space, that the congregation affirms the truth that we are saved not by our own works, but by the boundless grace of God. And it is this same grace that forms the foundation of their unity in worship and mission.
In every corner of the church, the teachings of Scripture hold sway. The Bible, as the authoritative guide for faith and practice, is carefully read, studied, and proclaimed in every sermon, class, and prayer. It is through the pages of this sacred book that the church learns of God’s will, the life of Jesus Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit among us.
The church's belief in the Trinity — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — is the cornerstone of both their personal faith journeys and their communal life. Each believer, whether young or old, is encouraged to explore this mystery of God’s nature, seeking a deeper understanding and relationship with the One who is Father, Savior, and Comforter.
The church recognizes that believers may differ in their understanding of some doctrines, but it also holds firmly to the essentials: God is our Creator, Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, and the Holy Spirit is ever-present, guiding and empowering us to live out our faith. In this spirit of unity amidst diversity, Irwin’s Chapel remains a place of welcome for all who seek to worship in spirit and truth.
On any given Sunday, the church is filled with the sounds of joyful worship, starting at 9:00 am with the Sunday School classes. Whether it’s a young child learning the stories of the Bible, an adult studying the teachings of Christ, or a teenager deepening their understanding of the Christian faith, these classes provide a rich environment for learning and spiritual growth.
The Worship Service, beginning at 9:45 am, brings the community together in prayer, song, and the proclamation of the Word. The congregation gathers in reverence and celebration, knowing that they are part of a larger story — the Universal Church, the body of Christ that spans both time and space. In the liturgy and hymns, in the preaching and prayers, they reaffirm their belief in the reign of God as both a present and future reality. God is at work now, in our midst, and will be forevermore.
Irwin's Chapel is not just a place of worship; it is also a place of active participation in the life of the community. The church has been involved in countless acts of service throughout its history — feeding the hungry, supporting local charities, caring for the sick, and offering a place of refuge for those in need. Its mission extends beyond its walls, as the congregation seeks to live out the love of Christ in tangible ways.
But perhaps the most beautiful aspect of Irwin’s Chapel is its recognition that children and adults alike are integral to the community, both on earth and in heaven. There is a special place for families, where children are not only taught the faith but are encouraged to grow in it alongside their parents, grandparents, and fellow believers. The church believes that the faith of the next generation is just as vital as that of the previous one, and they strive to create a nurturing environment where all can thrive.
At the core of their mission is a simple yet profound goal: to encourage every person who walks through their doors to come into a personal relationship with God, to know the joy and peace of walking with Christ, and to grow in that relationship each and every day. It is a community that believes that faith is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey, one that deepens as we walk together, side by side, with Christ at the center of it all.
The story of Irwin’s Chapel United Methodist Church is not just a story of buildings and programs, but of lives transformed by the power of God’s grace. It is a story of a community committed to growing in faith together, reaching out to the world with the love of Christ, and seeking the eternal truth that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
